Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Q&A

The Californian invited candidates for the Elsinore Valley
Municipal Water District board to answer three questions about the
city and have those answers published. Candidates' responses were
limited to 200 words and their answers are otherwise unedited. Six
candidates are seeking three seats in the Nov. 7 election.

Question: Why should or should not EVMWD be attempting to build
a hydroelectric power plant and power lines?

Kristine M. Anderson

EVMWD should not build a hydroelectric power plant and power
lines or get into the power business. Currently, EVMWD is
continuing to oversee their original $1 million investment in the
Lake Elsinore Advanced Pumped Storage Project that was started over
20 years ago. EVMWD needs to remain at the table through the
license period to seek benefits for the community plus the return
of the investment in the project. If this project is going to be
built, EVMWD and the community need to receive benefits such as
funds to improve Lake Elsinore and credits on each water or sewer
bill.

If we are not involved in the project, another entity such as
SDG&E or one of the 5 original cities who wanted to build LEAPS
will be handed the blueprints to the project and there would be no
benefits to the local community, no local input and the lines would
still be placed in our local forest. SDG&E has used the forest
power line corridor as an alternative in their future plans.

Whoever, constructs or finances the project, needs to work
closely with the district to make sure it is not detrimental to the
lake or the surrounding community.

Judy Guglielmana

EVMWD should not enter the electric business. I think EVMWD has
its hands full, just trying to maintain the existing water and
sewer systems they have, along with trying to meet future demand. A
lot of time and money has been spent on this project. If elected I
will work hard to refocus the Water district back on its core
business, supplying water and sewer to its existing customers and
preparing for future growth and needs. I'm a firm believer in
making builders pay their own way. Existing residents should not be
responsible for building new sewer or water lines. EVMWD should
concentrate on selling water and providing sewer service, not
trying to sell electricity. Again if I am elected, I will work hard
to effect the change in the board in a positive manor. I have
learned over my many years as a small business woman, that if you
use a polite, positive attitude towards solving problems, you can
get a lot further than being negative.

Chris Hyland

I am against the Lake Elsinore Advanced Pump Storage Project
(LEAPS), as it serves no benefit to Lake Elsinore citizens. LEAPS
calls for the construction of unsightly power lines throughout the
now beautiful Cleveland National Forest (under the guise of
creating a fabulous "energy" source). The problem is that the
communities in San Diego and Mexico that will be the true
benefactors of this new energy source. In the meantime, Lake
Elsinore residents property values will be destroyed, and the
beautiful Cleveland Ridge mountain range and skyline will be
overshadowed by giant steel structures, presenting great fire
hazards. Children in Butterfield Elementary will suffer when the
trenching required for the LEAPS project begins next door, possibly
presenting serious health issues, including asthma -- or worse. At
least 76 trucks per hour will travel Grand Avenue as well as Ortega
Highway, creating additional traffic and unsafe travel routes.
citizens who enjoy hang gliding, hiking, horseback riding, cycling,
and camping in the Cleveland Ridge range will now have to maneuver
around giant power lines.